Speed limits for vans
Many drivers assume a van has the same speed limits as a car. Most do not. In Great Britain an ordinary van counts as a goods vehicle, and goods vehicles have lower national limits on single and dual carriageways.
This page sets out the limits for vans, explains the exception for small car-derived vans, and covers towing and the penalties for speeding.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can state the national speed limits for a goods vehicle up to 7.5 tonnes.
- You can explain what a car-derived van is and why its limits differ.
- You can apply the lower limits when a van is towing.
- You can recognise that signed limits and conditions may require you to go slower still.
What you need to know and understand
- Vans (goods vehicles not over 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight): 30 mph in built-up areas, 50 mph on single carriageways, 60 mph on dual carriageways and 70 mph on motorways.
- Car-derived vans up to 2 tonnes maximum laden weight have the same limits as cars: 60 mph on single carriageways and 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
- A van towing a trailer: 50 mph on single carriageways, 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
- On most roads with street lights the limit is generally 30 mph in England and Scotland, and 20 mph in Wales, unless signs show otherwise.
- A speed limit is the absolute maximum, not a target. Slow down for hazards, weather and darkness.
- Speeding can bring a fine of up to 1,000 pounds, or up to 2,500 pounds on a motorway, plus 3 to 6 penalty points.
National limits at a glance
All figures are in mph and are national limits. Where signs show a lower limit, that applies. Our guide to UK speed limits and the national speed limit explains the signs.
- Van: built-up 30 (20 in Wales), single carriageway 50, dual carriageway 60, motorway 70.
- Car-derived van: built-up 30 (20 in Wales), single carriageway 60, dual carriageway 70, motorway 70.
- Van or car-derived van towing a trailer: built-up 30 (20 in Wales), single carriageway 50, dual carriageway 60, motorway 60.
- Car, for comparison: built-up 30 (20 in Wales), single carriageway 60, dual carriageway 70, motorway 70.
What counts as a car-derived van
A car-derived van is a goods vehicle built from a car, usually a small hatchback or estate with the rear seats removed and solid panels instead of rear windows. To get car speed limits it must have a maximum laden weight of no more than 2 tonnes. Most panel vans, including small and medium ones built as vans from the start, are not car-derived and use the goods vehicle limits.
If you are unsure, check the vehicle's documents or ask the owner or hire company. Do not assume because a van feels car-like to drive.
Where van drivers get caught out
A loaded van also takes longer to stop, so even within the limit you may need to drive slower than car traffic around you. See our guides to road works and contraflows, and to less common signs such as low bridges and weight limits.
- Single carriageway with the national speed limit sign: 50 mph for a van, not 60.
- Dual carriageway with the national speed limit sign: 60 mph for a van, not 70.
- Motorway while towing: 60 mph, not 70.
- Road works: temporary limits apply to all vehicles, and may be enforced by average speed cameras.
- Weight, width and height restriction signs: a van may be too heavy or tall where a car would be fine.
Common mistakes
- Driving at 60 mph on a national-limit single carriageway. A van's limit is 50 mph.
- Keeping up with cars at 70 mph on a dual carriageway. A van's limit is 60 mph.
- Assuming a small panel van is car-derived. Most are not.
- Forgetting the lower limits when towing.
Test yourself: Speed limits for vans
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Highway Code rules 124 and 125, speed limits (gov.uk); Driving a van (gov.uk). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the DVSA.